FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in the financial aid process. You use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study. In addition, most states and schools use information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. There are some schools that require additional forms (such as a “CSS Profile”) or have earlier deadlines, so be sure to check with your schools.
Documents Needed
You will need records of income earned in the year prior to when you will start school (2005). You may also need records of your parent's income information if you are a dependent student.
IMPORTANT!!!
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in the financial aid process. You use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study. In addition, most states and schools use information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. There are some schools that require additional forms (such as a “CSS Profile”) or have earlier deadlines, so be sure to check with your schools.
Documents Needed
You will need records of income earned in the year prior to when you will start school (2005). You may also need records of your parent's income information if you are a dependent student.
For the 2006-2007 school year, you will need financial information from 2005. You will need to refer to:
- Your Social Security Number (can be found on Social Security card)
- Your driver's license (if any)
- Your 2005 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
- Your parents' 2005 Federal Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040TeleFile, foreign tax return, or tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia).
- Your 2005 untaxed income records - Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records
- Your current bank statements
- Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records
- Your alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
IMPORTANT!!!
- Some campuses require that you submit your FAFSA before the March 2nd deadline. Be sure to check the deadlines of the colleges you are interested in. Also, check with the colleges Financial Aid offices for any additional forms you may need to submit.
- After you submit your FAFSA and GPA Verification Form, you will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report). You need to make sure you review it for any errors and inform the appropriate agencies. You will also receive notification from the State of California on the status of your Cal Grant eligibility (CAR). Make sure you review documents carefully and bring them to your Talent Search Academic Advisor as well.
- Make sure you respond promptly to any requests from the college/university’s Financial Aid Office and be aware of DEADLINES!
Essay Help Sites
- www.freschinfo.com (Help on finding scholarships & applying for them)
- www.essayedge.com (Essay editing service)
- www.collegeboard.com (SAT sign-up & practice tests)
- www.act.org (ACT sign-up & practice tests)
- www.homeworkspot.com (ACT & SAT)
- www.homeworkhelp.com (ACT & SAT)
- www.usnews.com (Find the best college)
- www.petersons.com (College planning)
- www.csumentor.edu (California State University)
- www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions (University of California)
- www.aiccu.edu (Private colleges and universities)
- www.fafsa.ed.gov (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- www.edfund.ed.gov (Ed Fund web site)
- www.csac.ed.gov (CA Student Aid Commission web site)
- www.fastweb.com (Scholarship Search)
- www.hsf.net (Hispanic Scholarship Fund)
- www.uncf.org (United Negro College Fund)
- www.csumathsuccess.org/ept (English Placement Test)
- www.csumathsuccess.org/mshome (Entry Level Mathematics Test)
